Greetings all, just wanted to offer some observations of the 2021 convention:

Pros: Loved getting to visit with Charles Kaplan and learning more about the ChipGuide, a MOST valuable resource. Thanks again Charles for the time.
Enjoyed seeing all of the vendor tables, unfortunately, I didn't realize there were more vendors hidden behind the other curtain. I'm sure they wished they had better exposure.
Thanks to all the CCGTCC Staff and volunteers, they made the Club areas and the convention as a whole, very nice.

Cons: Was a bit disappointed in the Auction. Lots of neat stuff for sale, but the Vendors at the back table buying up everything to resell gives little opportunity for real collectors to add to their collections. If Vendors want to add to their inventory, perhaps selling B2B would be better and leave the auction to members. Just an opinion.

All in all I really enjoyed the convention but I came away learning a few things: If you want to connect with others, it's great. If you want to buy, not so much. It's like going to Spinetti's and always paying retail, there are no bargains to be had. I have had lots better bargains buying from eBay than I got from the convention. I have seen others display their additions from the convention and they seem happy, so for those that did, congratulations.

For example, I saw many chips I had purchased for much less on eBay being tagged at 2X-3X their "value". When attempting to "negotiate", very little movement was offered by the vendors. I totally understand the vendors motivation, to maximize profit with a captive audience, but I was hoping for better pricing. Maybe its just me. If so, my apologies.

I had a good time but will probably skip a few years before returning to the next one.